The way we consume media is rarely a source of question, or how the way we take in information changes the way we process it. To help illustrate how this plays out I have taken a look at two different texts. Both are Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, however that is a misleading representation. In reality these two pieces could not be more different.
Mary Shelley’s Scribbled Draft
The first is a collection of images from her drafts of the book, the Shelley Godwin Archive offers a unique look at Mary’s process when writing her most famous book during the year 1816. With handwritten notes scribbled endlessly throughout the page. Right next to the image is a typed translation to make sense of the jumbled mess of ideas. This helps the reader to more clearly understand what Shelley’s ideas were, and how they changed throughout the writing process. This cluster of envisioned story weaves a less streamlined tale, but allows the reader to further understand the thought process behind the book. While likely consusing for the average reader, those who are looking deeper for a peek behind the curtain are more likely to find something of value. I found, having already read the book, her notes interesting. Seeing what was cut was just as interesting as seeing what stayed. It helped me to gain a deeper understanding of her writing style, as I could look at what information she deemed irrelevant in the end. While reading I was looking back and forth between the images of the notebook, and the rewritten version typed neatly on the right. In addition there is a filter option, where one can choose to view notes by either Percy or Mary. This was a super useful tool to decipher what were Mary’s corrections, and what were her husband’s notes.
Her Second Edition
On the other hand, we have: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. However, this is the 1831 version, archived on HathiTrust. This completed text has been uploaded as a digital scan, the book is as it was when it first hit shelves. This means that it includes all of the art in addition to the rest of the book. This second work features exactly what you would expect from a novel written during the 1800’s. However, it exposes some key differences between the original and this newer one. After all, the time between both books took a heavy toll on the author. During the intervention several tragedies befell her, including the death of her husband, Percy Shelley. There is no doubt that these traumatic life experiences affected the outcome of the 1831 version. Another notable difference is the inclusion of her name, when she first published the book, she did so anonymously. As at the time it would have been outlandish for a woman to write such a piece of literature. However, after the success of the release, she decided to claim her title as the author and it is displayed prominently within the first pages of her second edition. Her change in perspective about fear is tossed aside and encapsulates how she has changed as a person between the releases of both editions. While once she was just an unsure teenager who wasn’t even sure she wanted to write, she warps into a more confident grieving woman. In a way she has transformed into Victor Frankenstien himself. And in that way she views the second book as her mother, something hinted at in the words she leaves behind for the reader in the beginning.
Contrasting the two texts
While exploring the benefits and downside of both texts, I began to notice some rather glaring differences. While obviously the first isn’t even a completed book, we know how the final product will manifest. This is contrasted with the cleanly presented final version of the 1831 edition. Also reflected in that polished feel is ease and ability to access. The second text gives the sensation of reading a book, because it essentially is one. Whereas the draft feels like reading code and even though there are images, they are more for sentimental reference. The meat of the information to be gained is plain text on a blank white background. Adding to the more modern digital experience are the filter options. These go a long way to making the text feel accessible, but detract from immersing yourself within the time period that the book is written. Despite having the same author and same name, two pieces of literature can be quite divergent from one another, not only in how and when it is written, but in how it is consumed.